Dear Editor,
It is with deep concern and anger that I must inform the readers of a horrific incident that occurred on Mash Day. I decided to pen this experience on behalf of my family and others who have suffered tremendously as a result of being bitten by centipedes, scores of which emerged out of the ground on Merriman Mall.
The day’s festivities began early for our entire family of about twenty-five children and adults – baskets filled, excitement and anticipation for the costume and float parade. All was well, everyone enjoyed the day, eating, drinking, dancing and prancing to the music. Then the parade came to an end and everyone stood around talking and winding down preparing to leave for home when my aunt got bitten by a centipede. Another aunt felt one crawling on her. We were stunned on close examination of the ground that we were surrounded by many centipedes. Our frightened children were all scrambled to the safety of the roadway. By this time my aunt was in tremendous pain so we immediately took her to the hospital. Her foot was so painful she couldn’t walk. Thankfully she received medical assistance immediately. She didn’t sleep all night and by morning her foot was swollen, stiff and more painful. She is at home recovering. We hadn’t seen our aunt in tears since our grandmother died many years ago.
All family members were sad and distraught at what had happened; no one was speaking about the Mash celebrations any longer.
At the hospital two other persons who were on different sections of the mall sought medical help for centipede bites. One being a young girl, her father could do nothing for her but reassure her that she’d be alright. We could feel her pain. Could you imagine how many other persons were bitten by centipedes on Mash day on Merriman’s Mall?
Someone I spoke with recalled a similar experience at last year’s Mash. This is horrific and can be prevented from happening again if a little attention is paid to the safety and comfort of the spectators.
Also, along some areas of the Mall persons had to spread their blankets between the tall clumps of bush and old garbage, simply trying to enjoy a good picnic on that beautiful Mash day.
I therefore call on the M&CC or whoever is responsible for the cleaning /preparation of the Mall and other areas for the Mash celebrations to ensure they are sprayed or fumigated in time for the next Mash. They have just about one year to include this on their preparation schedule.
Yours faithfully,
Cathriona Joseph
